Ushimado
牛窓
A Seto Inland Sea port town dubbed the Aegean Sea of Japan, with an olive garden on a hilltop overlooking the islands.
In the Edo period, Ushimado was a port of call for Korean Joseon envoys. The old seaside street, Ushimadochō Karakoto-dori, preserves old merchant houses and small cafés. On a hill, the Ushimado Olive Garden grows about 2,000 olive trees. White Greek-style buildings set against the blue sea make a striking scene. Visits and tastings of olive products are free. In summer, you can swim at the beach or take a boat to Maejima and cycle around the island. From Okayama, it is about 50 minutes by car. By public transport, take a bus from JR Oku Station, a ride of about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Imbe Bizen Pottery Village
- Shizutani School
- Okayama Castle
- Okayama Korakuen
- Hayashibara Museum of Art
- Yumeji Art Museum
- Okayama Orient Museum
- Kibitsuhiko Shrine